Page 80 of Second Shot

“No. God, no. That’s not what Imeant.”

“Then what? Are you convinced I’m a junkie, too? I know that’s what Kane thinks. But I’mnot.”

I suck in a shaky breath, and tell her the truth. “We lost someone a couple years ago. Someone we both cared a lot about. You remind me ofhim.”

Silence.

She fidgets, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. “I’m sorry about your friend,but-”

“He was my brother.” I swallow hard. “He overdosed two years ago. Both Kane and I tried to help him…but he wouldn’t letus.”

She shivers and looks down at thefloor.

“So, yeah. You scare me.” I take her hand, careful not to squeeze too hard when I see the bruises there. “But you’re Kane’s family. Which means your mine and Noah’s,too.”

Her eyes shut, she inhales through her nose, and I can tell she’s trying to hold backtears.

“You know what I think?” I saysoftly.

“What?”

“I think you’re a lot likeme.”

Her eyes widen. “No.”

“Yeah. You are. You’re strong. Stronger than you think. But you push people away because you know that feeling anything more than indifference is dangerous. Someone hurt you. And not just the bruises on yourbody.”

“You don’t knowme.”

“You’re right. But I wantto.”

Her fingers are ice cold in mine, and they tremble the way Sam’s used to, but I’m starting to wonder if it’s not for a differentreason.

“Come back and sit down. I’ll finish making dinner and then we can watch the gametogether.”

“I’m not a junkie,” she whispers again, sucking in a breath and glancing away. “I just…there arethings…”

“You’re shaking.” I place an arm carefully around her shoulder and lead her back to the living room. “How long has it been? Since youused?”

Her cheeks stain red. “Ihaven’t-”

“Kiley.” I give her a sternlook.

“A couple weeks. But it was only pot. Iswear.”

I nod, trying to keep all judgement from my expression. Not sure if I believe her. But I don’t know her story. And part of me wonders if I want to. The girl is damaged in ways that most people would never recoverfrom.

But I was telling her the truth when I said she’s family. And even if it means facing Kane’s wrath, I won’t let the girl run away. Not without afight.

Like Kane says, I’m stubborn. And she’s not the first Madden I’ve come upagainst.

Chapter 26

Kane

One more winunder our belts and we’ve guaranteed a playoff position. It feels good. But not as good as going home and knowing Brynne is waiting there forme.

She’s at the door when I walk in theapartment.

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